Do Healthy, Young Adults With Current Feelings Of Anxiety Have Impaired Balance? An Exploratory Study

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine differences in balance between individuals with self-reported anxiousness compared to those with no self-reported anxiousness as assessed by the Profile of Mood States-Short Form (POMS-SF) METHODS: Participants (n = 87) completed the testing in a single session. Self-reported feelings of anxiety were measured using the POMS-SF and the modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction and Balance (mCTSIB) was used to assess balance in 4 conditions (eyes open (EO), feet on ground (FI), eyes closed (EC) FI, EO foam surface (FO) and EC FO). Participants were grouped into anxious (A) (n = 36, age = 23.31 ± 3.69 yrs, height = 174.13 ± 9.76 cm, weight = 74.86 ± 14.26 kg, male = 14), and not anxious (NA) (n = 51, age = 25.20 ± 4.24, height = 174.13 ± 9.76 cm, weight = 73.00 ± 15.83 kg, male = 21). There was no significant difference (p > .05) in height, weight and sex distribution between groups, however, age was significantly different (p < .05). An ANCOVA, using age, sex, height, weight as covariates was used to determine differences in balance. RESULTS: Significant findings reported in table. CONCLUSION: In general, individuals that have anxiety are associated with reduced incidence and intensity of postural sway, the exception being with EC on a FO. Findings suggest that having anxiety significantly impacts balance in healthy, young adults. The findings of this study suggest that further investigation is required in the role of anxiety as it relates to changes in balance and injury risks in young adults. A = Anxious, NA = Not Anxious, EO = Eyes Open, EC = Eyes Closed, FI = Firm surface, FO = Foam Surface